Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber threats and ransomware attacks have accelerated, exceeding 30,000 attacks per day in the US. Cybersecurity measures have never been more important. The move to remote working environments as well as the vulnerability of global economies in crisis has created an open-season for cybercriminals. No business—big or small—is […]
In a national survey of more than 2400 businesses conducted and published by American City Business Journals finds that small and midsize businesses are seeing severe impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Impacts: Profits, Revenue, Cash, and Survivability About 69% of respondents have seen revenue decline since the major onset of COVID-19 in March 2020. […]
October 1, 2020 (Westborough, MA). Cumulus Global announces today that the company is now using renewable energy for 100% of its internal electricity needs. This change is part of the company’s on-going sustainability efforts. Cumulus Global switched to electricity producers using only renewable sources, directly and via Massachusetts Level 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The […]
00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-10-01 11:51:272020-10-01 11:51:27Cumulus Global Goes Green with Renewable Energy Commitment
G Suite Enterprise for Education Savings As schools and districts continue to rely heavily on Google Meets, Classroom, and other services that facilitate remote and hybrid learning, Google is extending its 50% discount for full domain upgrades to G Suite Enterprise for Education through October 31, 2020. Student licenses will remain free provided the ratio […]
00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-09-23 09:44:382020-09-23 09:44:38G Suite EDU Savings and Meet Enhancements
As reported by the Boston Business Journal, a recent survey conducted by the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, with help form several regional business groups, found that businesses are projecting that 47% of employees will continue to work completely or partially from home post-Covid. If this is the case, the number of remote workers will jump 2 […]
https://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.png00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-08-26 17:41:162025-08-12 09:46:17Work Life Post COVID-19 Will be Different
While schools, teachers, and families want schools to safely re-open, the reality is that in most areas of the country, remote learning will be part of the plan this coming school year. In addition to ensuring student access and adapting teaching methods, the move to remote learning creates new communication and privacy issues. Working with […]
00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-08-03 16:53:012020-08-03 16:53:01Remote Learning + (Privacy x Access) = New IT Needs
As remote work becomes a longer-term consideration, we have spent time and money to make sure that our teams can work from home. Computers, WiFi upgrades, remote desktops, and new cloud services have been parts of the solution. Often forgotten are voice services. Employees that normally work in the office may not be set up […]
(Updated to reflect extension of the offer through September 30, 2020) With the need for remote learning and hybrid on-site and remote classes, most schools using G Suite for Education rely on the Google Meets. In September, Google is ending free access to enhanced Google Meets, including larger meeting sizes, recording, and live streaming. If […]
00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-07-10 10:20:322020-07-10 10:20:32G Suite Enterprise for Education Savings
Without a consistent national strategy and leadership, decisions on how to open are economy are left to state and local leaders. While very few states have me the limited criteria published by the CDC, states are proceeding and are in various phases of re-opening. At the same time, we have failed to contain COVID-19 at […]
(Updated June 24, 2020) UPDATE: The deadline to apply for a PPP loan is June 30, 2020. As of June 20th, approximately $100 Billion remains in the program and available for loans. The modified forgiveness terms makes it much easier to ensure your loan is forgiven. In an effort to address limitations of the Payroll […]
(Published 6/17/2020) The Small Business Administration (sba.gov) announced earlier this week that small businesses can again apply for relief via the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This includes applications for fee, up to 10,000 advances, regardless of the loan’s approval. The interest rate is fixed at 3.75 percent and terms run from 2 to […]
00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-06-17 16:00:212020-06-17 16:00:21SBA Re-Opens Disaster Loan and Grant Program
(Published 5/21/20) As part of our commitment to collate and share COVID-19 response and recovery information , we have compiled resource list to help you safely and appropriately open your physical locations. General Guidance Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC) Worker Safety and Accommodations COVID-19: Control and Prevention (OSHA) What You Should Know About COVID-19 […]
(Published 5/18/20) The Small Business Administration published the Loan Forgiveness Application and instructions for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans. Like the original PPP loan and program information, the guidance provided in the instructions is not fully defined or clear. Here is some guidance collated from multiple sources including Forbes, AICPA, and several accounting firms. Application The application […]
Almost all of our businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Revenues and cash flows are down and some costs are rising. We are all looking to cut expenses. Information technology and services can be a good place to find savings. Most businesses can find savings in their IT services. Here are some places to […]
00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-05-14 08:00:282020-05-14 08:00:28Where to Look for IT Savings
Almost all of our businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Revenues and cash flows are down and some costs are rising. We are all looking for ways to cut expenses. Information technology and services can be a good place to find savings. As you look to reduce costs, be careful about what services you […]
00Allen Falconhttps://www.cumulusglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cumulus-Global-logo-with-spacing.pngAllen Falcon2020-05-14 07:45:342020-05-14 07:45:34Be Careful with your COVID-19 Cuts
(Published 5/13/20) The US Small Business Administration, today, published and update to the PPP Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) to clarify confusion regarding loan audits and the “Good Faith” certification of need signed as part of the loan application process and form. The SBA added Question 46 as, “How will SBA review borrowers’ required good-faith certification […]
It should be no surprise to you that we are seeing a surge in phishing and other cyber attacks, as criminals look to take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis. A sample of recent news reports illustrates the scope of the problem. In April, the FBI issued a warning about COVID-19 stimulus package scams (CNET). In […]
(Published 5/8/20) As reported by the Associated Press, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prepared a report providing specific guidance for re-opening for different types of businesses and organizations. The report, “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework“, was due to be released on May 1st, but was blocked […]
As more areas of the country move into Phase 1 of re-opening the economy, you may be able to offer remote shopping and curbside (no contact) pickup. While you may already have a way to hold items for pickup by customers, moving completely to the “take out” model of business requires you to make changes […]
(Updated 5/7/20) 5/7 Update: The EIDL program loans are now limited to $150,000 as the demand is dramatically outpacing funding. The SBA is processing previously received applications in the order received. new applications are only accepted for certain US agricultural businesses, per the 5/5/20 update. See news reports from CNBC.com and the Washington Post. 5/5 […]
9 Cyber Security Tips for Small Businesses
/in Cybersecurity, GeneralSince the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber threats and ransomware attacks have accelerated, exceeding 30,000 attacks per day in the US. Cybersecurity measures have never been more important. The move to remote working environments as well as the vulnerability of global economies in crisis has created an open-season for cybercriminals. No business—big or small—is […]
COVID-19 Survey: Revenue Losses and Diminishing Cash Reserves
/in GeneralIn a national survey of more than 2400 businesses conducted and published by American City Business Journals finds that small and midsize businesses are seeing severe impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Impacts: Profits, Revenue, Cash, and Survivability About 69% of respondents have seen revenue decline since the major onset of COVID-19 in March 2020. […]
Cumulus Global Goes Green with Renewable Energy Commitment
/in General, NewsOctober 1, 2020 (Westborough, MA). Cumulus Global announces today that the company is now using renewable energy for 100% of its internal electricity needs. This change is part of the company’s on-going sustainability efforts. Cumulus Global switched to electricity producers using only renewable sources, directly and via Massachusetts Level 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The […]
G Suite EDU Savings and Meet Enhancements
/in Education, GeneralG Suite Enterprise for Education Savings As schools and districts continue to rely heavily on Google Meets, Classroom, and other services that facilitate remote and hybrid learning, Google is extending its 50% discount for full domain upgrades to G Suite Enterprise for Education through October 31, 2020. Student licenses will remain free provided the ratio […]
Work Life Post COVID-19 Will be Different
/in GeneralAs reported by the Boston Business Journal, a recent survey conducted by the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, with help form several regional business groups, found that businesses are projecting that 47% of employees will continue to work completely or partially from home post-Covid. If this is the case, the number of remote workers will jump 2 […]
Remote Learning + (Privacy x Access) = New IT Needs
/in Education, GeneralWhile schools, teachers, and families want schools to safely re-open, the reality is that in most areas of the country, remote learning will be part of the plan this coming school year. In addition to ensuring student access and adapting teaching methods, the move to remote learning creates new communication and privacy issues. Working with […]
Remote Workers Need Voice Services
/in GeneralAs remote work becomes a longer-term consideration, we have spent time and money to make sure that our teams can work from home. Computers, WiFi upgrades, remote desktops, and new cloud services have been parts of the solution. Often forgotten are voice services. Employees that normally work in the office may not be set up […]
G Suite Enterprise for Education Savings
/in Education, General(Updated to reflect extension of the offer through September 30, 2020) With the need for remote learning and hybrid on-site and remote classes, most schools using G Suite for Education rely on the Google Meets. In September, Google is ending free access to enhanced Google Meets, including larger meeting sizes, recording, and live streaming. If […]
The Opening Dilemma
/in GeneralWithout a consistent national strategy and leadership, decisions on how to open are economy are left to state and local leaders. While very few states have me the limited criteria published by the CDC, states are proceeding and are in various phases of re-opening. At the same time, we have failed to contain COVID-19 at […]
PPP Changes Ease Loan Forgiveness
/in General(Updated June 24, 2020) UPDATE: The deadline to apply for a PPP loan is June 30, 2020. As of June 20th, approximately $100 Billion remains in the program and available for loans. The modified forgiveness terms makes it much easier to ensure your loan is forgiven. In an effort to address limitations of the Payroll […]
SBA Re-Opens Disaster Loan and Grant Program
/in General(Published 6/17/2020) The Small Business Administration (sba.gov) announced earlier this week that small businesses can again apply for relief via the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This includes applications for fee, up to 10,000 advances, regardless of the loan’s approval. The interest rate is fixed at 3.75 percent and terms run from 2 to […]
Resources for Opening Safely
/in General(Published 5/21/20) As part of our commitment to collate and share COVID-19 response and recovery information , we have compiled resource list to help you safely and appropriately open your physical locations. General Guidance Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC) Worker Safety and Accommodations COVID-19: Control and Prevention (OSHA) What You Should Know About COVID-19 […]
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and Guidance
/in General(Published 5/18/20) The Small Business Administration published the Loan Forgiveness Application and instructions for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans. Like the original PPP loan and program information, the guidance provided in the instructions is not fully defined or clear. Here is some guidance collated from multiple sources including Forbes, AICPA, and several accounting firms. Application The application […]
Where to Look for IT Savings
/in GeneralAlmost all of our businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Revenues and cash flows are down and some costs are rising. We are all looking to cut expenses. Information technology and services can be a good place to find savings. Most businesses can find savings in their IT services. Here are some places to […]
Be Careful with your COVID-19 Cuts
/in GeneralAlmost all of our businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Revenues and cash flows are down and some costs are rising. We are all looking for ways to cut expenses. Information technology and services can be a good place to find savings. As you look to reduce costs, be careful about what services you […]
SBA Clarifies “Good-Faith” Certification for PPP Loans
/in General(Published 5/13/20) The US Small Business Administration, today, published and update to the PPP Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) to clarify confusion regarding loan audits and the “Good Faith” certification of need signed as part of the loan application process and form. The SBA added Question 46 as, “How will SBA review borrowers’ required good-faith certification […]
Phishing Attacks Spike Amid COVID-19 Crisis
/in GeneralIt should be no surprise to you that we are seeing a surge in phishing and other cyber attacks, as criminals look to take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis. A sample of recent news reports illustrates the scope of the problem. In April, the FBI issued a warning about COVID-19 stimulus package scams (CNET). In […]
Detailed Guidance from CDC on Re-Opening Businesses
/in General(Published 5/8/20) As reported by the Associated Press, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prepared a report providing specific guidance for re-opening for different types of businesses and organizations. The report, “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework“, was due to be released on May 1st, but was blocked […]
5 Ideas for Successful Remote Shopping and Customer Pickup Services
/in GeneralAs more areas of the country move into Phase 1 of re-opening the economy, you may be able to offer remote shopping and curbside (no contact) pickup. While you may already have a way to hold items for pickup by customers, moving completely to the “take out” model of business requires you to make changes […]
CARES ACT II – Emergency Funds for SMBs
/in General(Updated 5/7/20) 5/7 Update: The EIDL program loans are now limited to $150,000 as the demand is dramatically outpacing funding. The SBA is processing previously received applications in the order received. new applications are only accepted for certain US agricultural businesses, per the 5/5/20 update. See news reports from CNBC.com and the Washington Post. 5/5 […]